iDefense Security Advisory 06.03.08
http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/ 
Jun 03, 2008

I. BACKGROUND

Sun Java System Active Server Pages is a multi-platform ASP application
server. It provides provides ASP (Active Server Pages) functionality to
a web server. More information is available at the following URL.

http://www.sun.com/software/chilisoft/index.xml 

II. DESCRIPTION

Remote exploitation of a file creation vulnerability in Sun
Microsystem's Java System Active Server Pages allows attackers to
execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

The vulnerability exists within a file included by several ASP
applications. This file provides a function that will write the
contents contained within its first parameter to a file specified by
its second parameter. Several ASP applications allow an attacker to
control both the content and the location of the file written.

III. ANALYSIS

Exploitation allows an attacker to create, or append to, arbitrary files
on the system with root privileges. No authentication is required to
reach the affected ASP applications. The attacker only needs to be able
to establish a session with the administration server on TCP port 5100.

IV. DETECTION

iDefense has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability within
version 4.0.2 of Sun Microsystems Inc.'s Java System Active Server
Pages. Older versions are suspected to be vulnerable.

V. WORKAROUND

In order to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, disable
administration server by executing the following command as the 'root'
user.

  # /opt/casp/admtool -e

Additionally, removing the affected ASP applications will prevent
exploitation.

VI. VENDOR RESPONSE

Sun Microsystems has addressed this vulnerability with the release of
version 4.0.3 of Sun Java System Active Server Pages. For more
information, refer to Sun Alert 238184 at the following URL.

http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-66-238184-1 

VII. CVE INFORMATION

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CVE-2008-2401 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in
the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org/), which standardizes names for 
security problems.

VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE

04/04/2007  Initial vendor notification
04/05/2007  Initial vendor response
06/03/2008  Coordinated public disclosure

IX. CREDIT

The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.

Get paid for vulnerability research
http://labs.idefense.com/methodology/vulnerability/vcp.php 

Free tools, research and upcoming events
http://labs.idefense.com/ 

X. LEGAL NOTICES

Copyright =A9 2008 iDefense, Inc.

Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDefense. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically,
please e-mail customerservice@idefense.com for permission. 

Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
 There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct,
indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or
reliance on, this information.